What Is A Progressive Slot Game?

Slots are possibly the most prominent and lucrative types of games at casinos, bringing in about 70% of the total revenue for most casinos. Over the years, there have been many types of slots. Among all the different versions of slots, progressive slots games stand out the most. A slot machine is considered progressive when a percentage of the bet placed on it ‘feeds’ the jackpot prize. They are slot machine equivalents of a lottery game. Progressive slots are the most sought-after variation of slots because of their exceptionally large payouts. They make up about 30% of all the slot machines available at casinos. With jackpots that can reach up to millions, their popularity does not come as a surprise. There are dozens upon dozens of progressive slots that greet us when we enter a casino lobby, whether it’s an on-land casino or an online casino. In this article, we will explore different aspects of progressive slot machines and how they work.

How a Progressive Slot Works

To qualify for the progressive slot, a bettor must wager a maximum number of credits per play. As the name suggests, the jackpot amount in these slots is not fixed. Rather, a small percentage of the bet is added to the cash prize every time a player places a real money wager and doesn’t win it. A prominent jackpot meter (also known as “jackpot tick”) displays the jackpot size in real-time. It increases gradually and even has the potential to reach six or seven figures. The jackpot keeps on accumulating until someone succeeds in landing the required symbol combination for a payout. After that, the jackpot resets and goes back to the initial amount – also known as the ‘seed amount’.

Odds Of Winning A Progressive Slot

The odds of winning at a progressive slot are astronomically small. The probability of winning is about one in 50 million. The odds may also vary depending on the number of reels, paylines or symbolic combinations. Regardless of the slim odds, all we need to do is reign in our expectations and focus on having fun.

The Mechanism Of A Slot Machine

The initial slot machines consisted of springs, metallic reels and gears. But thanks to the technological advancements of the present era, these machines are now computerised. A software known as Random Number Generator (RNG) dictates the outcomes of a spin, making sure that the results are fair and random every time. Game control may vary from machine to machine but usually is not so different. Commonly progressive slot machines have a spin button, a bet button, automatic play, and so on.

The Contrast Between Regular And Progressive Slots

A progressive slot machine is not much different from a regular variant. The only contrast lies in the nature of the jackpot. Although regular slots have jackpots as well. However, unlike progressive jackpots, they have fixed payouts. The jackpot amount remains the same no matter how many times or how frequently they result in payouts. Therefore, these fixed jackpot slots are also referred to as non-progressive slots. Moreover, regular slots payouts are considerably smaller and are worth a couple of thousands. On the other hand, progressive slots with jackpots that can reach up to tens of millions at a time are quite common. Should you play progressive or regular slots? The choice depends on how much time and money you are willing to put at stake. Progressive jackpot slots are ideal for gamblers going after a huge jackpot. However, if players opt for regular slots, they will not be disappointed with the outcomes.

Types Of Progressive Slots

Stand-Alone Progressives: Standalone progressive was the first-ever progressive slot. Mostly found in brick-and-mortar casinos, these slots are not linked to any other machines and have independent jackpots. Each machine has its own jackpot meter that rises with every bet made. Their only drawback is that the payouts aren’t as great when compared to other progressives found nowadays.

Local/In-House Progressives: In these progressive slots, multiple slot machines link together over an internal network owned by the same casino. Each of these machines contributes to a common jackpot. Depending on the casino, a network may consist of 10 to 100 slot machines.

Wide Area Network Progressives: Wide Area Network Progressives are by far the most coveted progressive slots because of their huge jackpots. These slots consist of a special network that links multiple unrelated casinos regardless of whether they are on-land or virtual. This large network of slots can cause the jackpot to rise up to tens of millions.

How To Win On Progressive Slots – Strategies and Tips

Always choose slots with high RTPs. This increases the probability of getting a return on our deposits.
Bettors should establish a bankroll and ensure that they don’t go beyond it.
Don’t stick to one machine just because it has paid out in the past.
It is always better to place a maximum bet since it increases the chances of winning giant jackpots.
Try to play when the jackpot has reached a larger amount to maximise the payout potential.
Always make sure to read the terms and conditions.
Play single-line slots to maximise the chances of winning. The odds of hitting the jackpot are much higher in single-line slots.

The Most Popular Progressive Jackpot Slots In The World

Aztec Millions: Real Time Gaming (RTG) is one of the top software providers in the world. One of their most successful creation is Aztec Millions. It is one of the most popular five-reel progressive jackpot slots in the world. The game has 25 paylines, a 95% RTP, quality bonuses and a jackpot worth millions.

Mega Moolah: When it comes to progressive jackpot games, Mega Moolah is the best there is. This progressive slot is responsible for paying out some of the biggest jackpots in history. Since its creation back in 2006, this Microgaming classic has made many people instant millionaires. Mega Moolah has cashed out constant and gigantic payouts over the years, earning the nickname, ‘Millionaire Maker’. The slot features five reels and 25 paylines.

Mega Fortune: Mega Fortunes comes from the NetEnt’s wide range of progressive slots. With 25 paylines, three reels and a 96.6% RTP, it is one of NetEnt’s biggest successes. Since its release in 2009, it has turned several people into millionaires. In 2011, a lucky Norweigan set a world record by winning an €11,7 million jackpot on Mega Fortune.

You can also go to the list of all the best progressive slots.

Final Thoughts

Progressive slot machines were a revolutionary addition to casinos. Since their debut, hundreds of people have won jackpots worth millions, giving other gamblers hope that they might also end up with the same fortune. The enticing wins offered by progressive slots may be the most significant reason for their popularity today and make the experience worth the while. Although Progressive slots are more expensive than regular ones, the huge payout makes up for it. One lucky spin can change lives in a matter of minutes.